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Impulsivity in suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents
J Kashden1, W J Fremouw, T S Callahan
1Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Suicidal adolescents in psychiatric care show higher impulsivity, hopelessness, and depression than their nonsuicidal peers and community students. Problem-solving skills did not differ across these adolescent groups.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Adolescent impulsivity is a risk factor for suicidal behavior.
- Understanding psychological differences between suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare impulsivity, hopelessness, depression, and problem-solving abilities in suicidal adolescent inpatients, nonsuicidal adolescent inpatients, and community high school students.
- To identify specific psychological markers associated with suicidal behavior in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral measures of impulsivity were administered.
- Assessments for problem-solving ability, hopelessness, and depression were conducted.
- Three groups were compared: suicidal adolescent inpatients, nonsuicidal adolescent inpatients, and community high school students.
Main Results:
- Suicidal inpatients exhibited significantly higher levels of impulsivity, hopelessness, and depression compared to both nonsuicidal inpatients and community controls.
- No significant differences in problem-solving abilities were found among the three groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated impulsivity, hopelessness, and depression are key psychological correlates of suicidal behavior in adolescent inpatients.
- Problem-solving deficits do not appear to be a distinguishing factor for suicidal adolescents in this study.